Irving
North Texas' Happy Medium

Success magazine—using health data, marital status, information on income disparity, local economy, education, volunteer activity, crime rates, local transportation, and job availability—determined that Irving is the 25th happiest city in the nation and the happiest in this region. And just what makes Irving residents so happy?
“It is safe,” says Preston Weaver, pastor at Kirkwood United Methodist Church. “We have a stellar police department that’s responsive and proactive. We also have various athletic opportunities and parks, which the city is enhancing right now.”
Sarah Jechete, an immigrant from Zimbabwe, says, “Convenience is the thing we most enjoy. In addition, there is a low crime rate and a great diversity of people and culture. Also, so many companies have their corporate headquarters here, and there are so many recreational facilities scattered throughout Irving, which makes life enjoyable, too.”
Laurie Joseph, a freelance designer and Irving native, remembers when Irving wasn’t such a happy place. “Over the last few years, the city has invested in improvements like landscaping and insisted that businesses clean up their properties. I like the plans for the Heritage District and for redeveloping the Texas Stadium area. I like that we’re getting a shiny, new highway through the center of town and that the city fought for DART development. But the best thing about Irving is that I can legally keep backyard chickens.”
Nothing sexy. Just safe, employed people who enjoy a little convenience, acceptance, some fun stuff to do—and chickens.